We explore the twin crises affecting the shipping industry. First, thousands of seafarers are stranded far from home, unable to travel because of the coronavirus. Add to that congestion at ports across the globe and sky-high freight rates. The result? Unprecedented pressures on an industry that’s usually far from the public eye. We hear from stranded ship-workers and those trying to help them return home. And we speak to the importers and exporters struggling to stay afloat as shipping rates go up and up. (Image credit: Getty Images.)

Stormy seas for global shipping

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It’s estimated that 90% of traded goods travel over the oceans. But for the seafarers who make that happen, it’s not always an easy process. 
 
Thousands of incidents of corruption within the industry have been reported to the Maritime Anti-Corruption Network, who in this episode, tell Ruth Alexander what they’re doing to help the problem. 
 
Seafarers can often be put in an impossible position, and one former captain tells us how he was arrested at gunpoint after refusing to hand over a carton of cigarettes to officials. (Picture: A bird's eye view of a container ship at sea. Credit: Getty Images) Presenter: Ruth Alexander
Producer: Izzy Greenfield

Corruption at port

As India enters election season, we look at the crucial female vote.  For decades, the number of women turning out to vote in India has been low, but that’s changed in the last decade.  Now, political parties are deliberately targeting policies at women, to try and win over this key group.  We hear from a group of women about their priorities in the 2024 general election - for the workplace, in business, and their day-to-day lives. (Picture: A group of women in India lining up to vote. Credit: AFP) Presented and produced by Devina Gupta

The rise of women voters in India

We depend on online reviews for everything from hotel and restaurant bookings, to what products to buy, and as we hear in this programme, medical and cosmetic procedures.  If a customer feels unhappy with a service they've paid for, they might want to leave a bad review. But what happens if the company they're complaining about doesn't like it? In the UK, a cosmetic surgery company, Signature Clinic, is taking some of its former patients to court after they posted negative reviews or comments on support groups. We hear from some of them.  (Image: A surgeon putting on surgical gloves. Credit: Getty Images) Presented and produced by Ed Butler

Can you be sued for writing a bad review online?

Brenda Romero's breakthrough game Wizardry is legendary, and she’s made and contributed to more than 50 titles since. Now, with her own company in Ireland, what does she think is the key to a great game? And in a vulnerable time for the industry, what does she think its future holds? (Picture: Brenda Romero. Credit: John Press photos) Presenter: Steffan Powell
Producer: Izzy Greenfield

Business Daily meets: game designer Brenda Romero

There are an estimated 200 million gamers on the African continent. The industry is growing fast, and generating millions of dollars for gaming companies.  However, there's a problem - many gamers in Africa don't have access to the credit and debit cards needed for in app purchases.  We meet the fintech companies who think they've got a solution.  Produced and presented by Mo Allie (Image: A woman gaming on her phone. Credit: Getty Images)

Stormy seas for global shipping

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